COOK- The Cook City Council took steps to move a long-planned sewer rehabilitation project toward construction while also advancing housing development efforts and marking the completion of the city’s newly renovated public library building.
The council’s most significant action centered on the Little Fork River sanitary sewer project, a multi-phase effort aimed at repairing aging infrastructure in areas of the system most prone to inflow and infiltration. The project includes lining existing sewer mains, replacing sections of deteriorated pipe, rehabilitating manholes, and making targeted repairs to reduce groundwater intrusion.
The total project cost is estimated at approximately $475,000, supported by a mix of funding sources. The city has secured a $150,000 Community Development Block Grant through St. Louis County, while an additional $150,000 request to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board was expected to be considered this spring. The remaining share, approximately $170,000, would be covered by the city.
To keep the project on track, the council authorized advertising for bids and approved the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance the city’s portion of the work. Bids are expected to be opened later this spring, with construction anticipated during the upcoming building season.
Housing development was also a focus of the meeting, particularly in the city’s Eldien Addition, where several pieces of groundwork are moving into place ahead of anticipated lot sales.
Members of the city’s housing committee reported that development covenants for the addition were approved as updated at the meeting, while the city is preparing to issue a request for proposals for a realtor to market and sell the lots. The goal is to have properties ready for listing later this spring, with activity expected to pick up through early summer.
The council also reviewed bids for street lighting in the addition and awarded the project to Reichel Electric, the low bidder, at a cost of $27,540.
In a broader look at housing needs, the committee discussed results from a workforce housing survey conducted in partnership with Cook Hospital. The findings pointed to continued demand for mid-sized, multi-family housing options, particularly for employees working in healthcare and other essential services in the community.
While smaller in scope, the city’s airport project also moved forward, with the council reviewing bids for a planned turnaround at the end of Runway 13. Mesabi Bituminous submitted the apparent low bid for the project, which is expected to cost approximately $687,000.
The bulk of the funding for the airport work will come from federal sources, covering approximately 95 percent of the total cost, with the city responsible for a relatively small local match.
The meeting also included an update on the Cook Public Library building project, which has now reached completion after months of construction and interior work.
Recent efforts have focused on final setup inside the building, including installation of the circulation desk, relocation of ethernet connections, and preparation of shelving for inspection. A deep cleaning of the space, funded by the Friends of the Library, has also been completed as the building transitions toward full use.
The council approved a $34,842 pay order to Lenci Construction related to the renovation project.
City staff and local contributors played key roles in finishing the project, including Tim Liliya, Mike Weske, Doug McDuff, and Ron Bushbaum, whose work helped bring the facility to its final stage.
The building reopened to the public on Tuesday, with more on the library’s reopening featured elsewhere in this edition of the Timberjay.
In other business, the council:
• Approved use of the city park on Saturdays for the Cook Area Farmers Market.
• Approved continuation of the Adopt-a-Pot program, a community beautification effort that places flower planters along River Street during the summer months. Local volunteers adopt and maintain the planters from late spring through the first frost, adding color and curb appeal to the downtown corridor. The program has been in place for several years and operates at no cost to the city.
• Accepted a series of smaller donations supporting the Cook Ambulance Service, Cook Fire Department, and Cook Public Library, with contributions coming from area townships and private donors.